Great couple of posts Powerage - very informative thank you.
Just thinking about the dividend distribution; wouldn’t a more beneficial way of distributing capital be a Return of Capital? That way, shareholders could access a capital gains tax deduction, providing the ATO okay it. I know Nigel has millions of reasons to find the most advantageous return of capital mechanism possible.
Here is GROK’s take on profit distributions.
In the context of an Australian company, the **difference between a capital return** and an **unfranked dividend** lies in their nature, tax treatment, and purpose. Here's a concise explanation:
### 1. **Capital Return**
- **Definition**: A capital return (or return of capital) occurs when a company distributes part of its share capital back to shareholders, reducing the company's paid-up capital. It is not a profit distribution but a return of the shareholders' original investment.
- **Purpose**: Typically used when a company has excess capital, is winding down, or restructuring. It may occur after asset sales or when the company no longer needs the capital for operations.
- **Tax Treatment**:
- **Not taxable income**: A capital return is generally not treated as a dividend or income for tax purposes.
- **Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications**: The return reduces the shareholder's cost base for their shares. If the return exceeds the cost base, the excess may trigger a capital gain, subject to CGT.
- **Franking credits**: Capital returns do not carry franking credits, as they are not dividends.
- **Example**: If you paid $10 for a share and receive a $2 capital return, your cost base for the share drops to $8. If the return exceeds $10, the excess is a capital gain.
### 2. **Unfranked Dividend**
- **Definition**: An unfranked dividend is a distribution of a company's profits to shareholders that does not carry franking credits. This typically happens when the company has not paid Australian corporate tax on the profits (e.g., profits from overseas operations or tax losses).
- **Purpose**: Represents a share of the company's after-tax profits distributed to shareholders as income.
- **Tax Treatment**:
- **Taxable income**: Unfranked dividends are included in the shareholder's assessable income and taxed at their marginal tax rate.
- **No franking credits**: Since no Australian corporate tax was paid on these profits, shareholders cannot offset their personal tax liability with franking credits.
- **Withholding tax**: For non-resident shareholders, unfranked dividends may be subject to dividend withholding tax (unless reduced by a tax treaty).
- **Example**: If you receive a $1,000 unfranked dividend and your marginal tax rate is 32.5%, you pay $325 tax on the dividend with no franking credit offset.
### Key Differences
| **Aspect** | **Capital Return** | **Unfranked Dividend** |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| **Nature** | Return of shareholder's original investment | Distribution of company profits |
| **Source** | Share capital or reserves | After-tax profits |
| **Tax Treatment** | Reduces share cost base; may trigger CGT | Taxable as income at marginal rate |
| **Franking Credits** | None | None |
| **Purpose** | Reduce excess capital or restructure | Share profits with shareholders |
| **Impact on Shares** | Reduces cost base; no direct income | No impact on share cost base; treated as income|
### Practical Notes
- **Shareholder Impact**: A capital return may reduce the value of your shares (as it lowers the company's capital), while an unfranked dividend is income but does not affect your share's cost base.
- **Company Decision**: Companies may choose a capital return to avoid tax implications for shareholders or an unfranked dividend when franking credits are unavailable.
- **Tax Advice**: Always consult a tax professional, as individual circumstances (e.g., holding period, residency status) can affect tax outcomes.